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Avocet Aviation Opens Second Florida Maintenance Facility

The FAA has granted operational approval for Avocet Aviation’s new maintenance facility at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida. The 26,000 sq. ft. facility, which is the company’s second, is now fully operational and set to begin maintenance operations.

In addition to a new hangar that will accommodate multiple narrowbody aircraft, the facility is comprised of an aircraft paint hangar, back shop, ramp area and offices. The facility will provide services mirroring those provided at Avocet’s Orlando-Sanford facility, including A checks, engine services, heavy maintenance and line maintenance. It will also provide paint and aircraft refinishing services. Avocet says the facility will handle overflow work from the Orlando-Sanford facility and increase the company’s overall capacity and ability to fulfill slots.

“Avocet is expanding its footprint in the state of Florida to ensure that we are ready to meet the needs of a dynamic industry as new aircraft come on line and existing fleets continue to age,” says Avocet CEO Patrick Arellano Sr. “Lakeland Linder Regional Airport was the perfect choice for a second site for Avocet. Its location places us in a strategic logistics hub, while also having the right infrastructure and local talent in place.”

The airport, which is located midway between Tampa and Orlando, has completed more than $100 million in improvement projects within the last five years. “We enthusiastically welcome Avocet and their employees to our growing aviation community here at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport,” says Gene Conrad, the airport’s director. “Avocet not only brings additional jobs to the airport, but their tenancy elevates the services available and aligns with our continued facility and business growth.”

According to Avocet, the facility will start by filling an estimated 40-60 jobs. The company also plans to bring its “Stand Up for STEM” initiative to the new location. The initiative’s launch last fall included expanding the company’s Orlando-Sanford facilities with an on-site STEM-focused school, workshop and training area. A spokesperson for the company says Avocet is currently speaking with Polk College and Central Florida Aerospace Academy to undertake similar partnership efforts at the new Lakeland Linder facility.